Poll: Black Women Among Most Religious In U.S.

Historically, the Black church has always been a source of inspiration, hope, and a lifeline for people in the community. Now a new study by the Washington Post and the Kaiser Family Foundation finds that African-American women are the most religious folks in the United States.

A whopping nine out of 10 Black women turn to God as their spiritual guide in all areas of their lives. Is it any surprise? Although Black men are almost as religious as their female counterparts, there is a more stark divide along racial lines.

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According to the survey, 74 percent of African-American women state that living a religious life is of the utmost importance to them as opposed to 70 percent for Black men, while 57 percent of White women and 43 percent of White men share this priority.

When it comes to grappling with difficult situations, 87 percent of Black women said faith in God is vital, compared to 79 percent of Black men, 66 percent of White women, and 51 percent of White men.

Interestingly enough, those who pooh-poohed religion in the Black community were practically in a group all their own with only a quarter of Black women saying that religion was not an integral part of their lives and another paltry 2 percent declaring “not at all.”

The poll researchers contend that Black women are more likely to have been raised by a Bible-clutching maternal figure in their household who insisted on attending all-day church on Sunday and Bible school during the summers.

No matter what faith, more and more Black women are taking worship out of the institutionalized halls and straight in to non-traditional settings, such as living rooms and basements, says the Washington Post. Technology has also come in to play as far as religion and many women are also delving into hosting weekly conference calls that are dedicated to prayer and ministering to those who are in need of a spiritual injection.